Thirty two inmates of the Awka Correctional prison have regained freedom following the visit of the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Mrs. Uju Kennedy Ohanenye.
The Hon Minister disclosed this to newsmen on Wednesday in Awka after meeting All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders who organised a welcome ceremony for her.
According to her, the 32 inmates who could not meet their bail conditions were taken care of and plans are underway to ensure they are being empowered.
Hon Ohaneye maintained that protecting women, children and empowering them with vocational skills to be able to feed their families will be part of her priority.
“I was saddled by their poor situation and I had to pay for the thirty two inmates. I found out some of them have been there for four years or more and I had to help regain their freedom which didn’t cost much. I will be able to incorporate them into vocational programmes for them to take care of their families”.
“I equally want to teach them how to fish and in the course of doing that I want to open a up a job which they can Bank on after the training. We will use mobile court for offenders of child traffickers, female genital mutilation, or rape and ensure immediate justice for victims”.
She explained that through Nigerian Women Development Agency, which is under her ministry being sponsored by the world Bank will reintroduce the Nzuko Umunwanyi under a Cooperative Society in such a way the world Bank will come in and introduce women development programmes.
“The issue of girl child mutilation, i am going to put a stop by empowering them and sensitise them to understand that what they are doing is very risky for the child and also there is going to be a whistle blower who will give information on that”.
“The president had given me a go ahead for governor’s to assist me with mobile court so that as soon you commit such crime you will be convicted”.
In his remark, APC Chairman, Chief Basil Ejidike acknowledged the visit by the Hon minister and thanked her for her supportive roles during election which made some challenges easier. “We really thank you and which you a fruitful tenor to Ndi Anambra, APC and the entire country”.
He however assured her that the Anambra State Working Committee will support her administration.